PC Hardware A Beginner’s Guide

(^280) PC Hardware: A Beginner’s Guide

Higher Resolutions Cannot Be Selected

If there is not enough RAM on the video card to support a higher resolution or color

depth, it is likely that they are disabled on the Windows Display Settings window. In order

to provide access to capabilities that the video card has within its specifications, you may

need to add more memory.

1. Verify with the manufacturer how much additional video RAM can be added
   to the card and then follow the steps in “Upgrading the RAM on a Video Card”
   in the following section.


2. To calculate the amount of RAM needed to support the resolution and color
   depth you desire, use the calculations shown in “How Much Video Memory
   is Needed?” earlier in the chapter.

Upgrading the RAM on a Video Card

The video RAM on many newer video cards can be upgraded to increase its speed, color

palette, and the performance of its graphics.

1. Video RAM must be matched to the video card and to its bus structure (PCI,
   AGP, ISA). If you are unsure of the video card, see the “Determining the Type
   of Video Card in a PC” section.


2. Verify the amount of memory already installed on the card by the manufacturer
   and how much you can add. You should be able to get this from the card’s
   documentation or from the manufacturer’s Web site. You may need to call the
   technical support number of the manufacturer. If you really want to upgrade
   the video RAM on the video card, you need to know these facts. Typically,
   you should add memory in 2MB increments, but follow the advice of the
   manufacturer on this.


3. You must remove the video card from the PC to add video RAM to it.
   Be sure you are working on a flat surface that is ESD protected.


4. Follow the instructions in the video card’s documentation on the manufacturer’s
   Web site for how new memory chips are installed on the card. However, if
   none are available, use the following generic steps.


5. Locate the mounting on the card for the memory chip. The mounting should
   have four toothed edges that align with four dots on the corners of the memory
   chip. Align the edges and dots and push the memory chip into place, making
   sure the chip is firmly in place and will not fall off.


6. You can verify that the new video RAM is recognized by the system by checking
   the BIOS configuration data. Reboot the system (you need to anyway) and
   enter the BIOS setup utility. From the Startup menu, select Devices and I/O
   Ports and then choose Video Setup. The amount of video RAM recognized by
   the PC is listed. If the amount is not the new total, check the installation of the
   video RAM on the card and verify that the card is installed correctly.